Château Haut Barrail
Updated on
Château Haut Barrail is a family-owned winegrowing estate located in Bégadan, in the Médoc AOC. Managed by Cyril Gillet, it spans 15 hectares of clay-limestone soils, predominantly cultivating Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate is HVE-certified.
Identity
Château Haut Barrail is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Bégadan, in the Gironde. It is owned by the Gillet family, with Cyril Gillet serving as both owner and winemaker.
History and philosophy
The estate boasts a history with origins dating back to 1362. The current buildings, including a medieval windmill, partly date from the 17th century. Originally known as "La Maison de la Bernède", the estate was acquired by the Gillet family in 1987. The first vintage under the Château Haut Barrail name was produced in 1995.
Appellations
Château Haut Barrail produces wines under the Médoc AOC appellation, with vineyard plots located in Bégadan.
Practical information
Château Haut Barrail is open for cellar-door sales and offers tastings. Visits are available by appointment. The tasting room is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm.
Address: 8 rue Maquis des Vignes Oudides, 33340 Bégadan
Telephone: +33 (0)5 57 75 11 91
Find out more
Frequently asked questions
- Who owns Château Haut Barrail?
- Château Haut Barrail is owned by the Gillet family. Cyril Gillet is the current owner and winemaker, upholding the family's winemaking tradition. The estate was acquired by the Gillet family in 1987, and the first vintage under the Château Haut Barrail name was produced in 1995.
- What is the main appellation of Château Haut Barrail and where is it located?
- The wines of Château Haut Barrail are produced under the Médoc AOC appellation. The estate is situated in the commune of Bégadan, in the Gironde. The 15-hectare vineyard is made up of plots dedicated to this appellation within the commune.
- What is the vineyard composition and terroir of Château Haut Barrail?
- The Château Haut Barrail vineyard spans 15 hectares. The grape variety distribution is 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. The terroir is predominantly clay-limestone. The estate is also certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE), reflecting its commitment to sustainable vineyard management.
- What are the different cuvées produced by Château Haut Barrail and their characteristics?
- Château Haut Barrail produces several cuvées. The main cuvée, also called Château Haut Barrail, is a red wine featuring a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate also offers the "Élite" cuvée, made from its oldest Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon vines, a second wine named "Lyric", and a third wine, "Les Tourelles du Barrail". A rosé cuvée, "La Rosée Des Dunes", is also crafted.
The vineyard (terroir)
The Château Haut Barrail vineyard covers an area of 15 hectares on clay-limestone soils. The grape varieties planted consist of Merlot (70%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (30%). The estate practices sustainable viticulture and holds Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certification.
Flagship cuvées
The estate produces several cuvées, including red and rosé wines. The principal cuvée, Château Haut Barrail, is a red wine made from a blend predominantly composed of Merlot (70%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (30%), known for its assertive character. The estate also offers a special cuvée named "Élite", crafted from its oldest Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon vines, as well as a second wine, "Lyric", and a third wine, "Les Tourelles du Barrail". A rosé cuvée, "La Rosée Des Dunes", is also produced.
Vinification and ageing
For the main Château Haut Barrail cuvée, vinification includes cold pre-fermentation maceration, followed by fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats with gentle extraction. Ageing takes place in oak barrels, comprising 60% new oak and 40% three-wine barrels. The Élite cuvée benefits from meticulous grape sorting and gentle, temperature-controlled vinification, followed by 12 months of ageing in 100% new French oak barrels. Antoine Médeville is the estate's consulting oenologist.
- Appellation
- Médoc
- Commune
- Bégadan
- Wine region
- Médoc
- Owner
- famille de Cyril Gillet
- Technical direction
- Antoine Médeville
- Surface area
- 15 ha
- Second wine
- Lyric
- Certifications
- HVE
- Grape varieties
- Merlot 70%, Cabernet Sauvignon 30%
Practical information
- Address
- 8 rue Maquis des Vignes Oudides, 33340 Bégadan
- Phone
- 05 57 75 11 91
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Opening hours
- du lundi au vendredi de 9h à 18h
- Visits
- https://www.chateauhautbarrail.com/visites